The Dirty Nil’s debut album Higher Power (Dine Alone) felt like a genuine shot in the arm for both punk and rock alike and there was so much attitude and swagger on show the band garnered much deserved praise. Add to that the fact that the band’s live shows built upon the raucous foundations of the album, and the sky appeared to be the limit for them. Thus we come to that much talked about benchmark for many bands… that being the “difficult” follow up, and, interestingly, their second album Master Volume (Dine Alone) both improves and disappoints in equal measures.
What The Dirty Nil excels at is those short sharp bursts of Punk Rock fury set against a backdrop of rock riffs and attitude. ‘That’s What Heaven Feels Like’ opens the album and straight away your met with the aforementioned blend of irresistible punky hooks with riffs so brilliantly sleazy it instantly worms it way into your head.
‘Bathed in Light’ has an altogether different feel and shows at a sound hinted at on Higher Power. It has an almost Alice In Chains feel to it with some grungier overtones and all the while Classic Rock vibes are weaving in and out. Think Facelift (Columbia) and you’ll begin to understand the kind of songwriting on show.
Star of the show, as with the live shows, is the vocals of guitarist/frontman/rock star Luke Bentham. The man has been seemingly born with that x-factor gene, (no, not the one that requires you to wear your trousers above your navel), the one that means you ooze confidence and power in everything you do with ease. He doesn’t have an amazing range, but the way shifts from laid-back rocker on ‘Pain of Infinity’ to a song like ‘Please, Please Me’ where it feels like he’s right up in your face spitting like a rabid Johnny Rotten means you never ever get bored of hearing him.
The early bursts of the album don’t carry all the way through, however. and it’s as much to do with the music more than anything else. Everything starts to become a bit formulaic when the songs are as short as they are. ‘Smoking Is Magic’ just felt off from the start with its tinge of country music added to the melting pot just didn’t float my personal boat. ‘Always High’ and ‘I Don’t Want That Phone Call’ similarly just didn’t quite hit the highs of the earlier tracks, however, the lyrics and feeling behind the latter are absolutely on point.
A mixed bag then, though still an album that deserves attention. Those looking for an expansion on the sound created on the debut will find much here, but I just couldn’t get on board with some of the ideas and choices presented. But please, please if you get a chance to see them live then do it because The Dirty Nil were made for the live environment.
7.0/10
KIERAN MITCHELL